2010 Stone Hill Winery Norton

2010 NORTON

VARIETAL
INFORMATION: The Norton grape is a true native American grape
of the species vitis aestivalis and the official state grape of
Missouri. Since the Norton grape evolved under midwestern,
continental growing conditions, it is perfectly suited to our long,
warm summers and cold winters. In addition, it is blessed with a
natural resistance to all types of fungal disease. Our Estate
Bottled Norton is produced from 100 percent estate-grown Norton
grapes from our Kemperberg and Cross J vineyards. Careful
fermentation on the skins is followed by 12 months of aging in
French, Hungarian and American oak barrels. 2,275 cases
produced.

TECHNICAL
INFORMATION: Harvested October 2010; Alcohol -
13.2%

TASTING
INFORMATION: Often compared to the great wines of southern
Europe, our Norton is full-bodied and dry, with tremendous fruit
and complexity to complement red meat, wild game, lamb or
full-flavored foods. It's grown on our estate vineyards and
harvested late in the season at the peak of ripeness, then aged in
small French, Hungarian and American oak barrels. While voluptuous
now, it will develop complexity with aging. Ripe supple tannins,
intense blackberry flavors and spicy aromas.
(750ml)

I purchased this as a gift for someone who tasted your wine in Branson and loved it. The wine did not disappoint at all. It was wonderful as usual. Shipping was another issue. Delivery of the wine was a huge problem. I understand that they couldn't just leave the wine however, they were very difficult to work with to get it picked up or to change the delivery to a work address. It also sat for days without moving. Almost didn't make it for Christmas and was ordered in plenty of time. This alone would stop me from ordering again.

I'm so glad that we took the Stone Hill Winery tour last September while visiting Branson, MO. The tour was much better than the majority of "Adult Beverage" tours we've been on. The tasting at the end of the tour was our 1st glass ever of Stone Hill's Norton - 2010. All of the wines we tasted were memorable, but the Norton - 2010 we found to be a wine that my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed. We bought some, for ourselves as well as for gifts before we left the store. Couldn't wait until we got back to Illinois to enjoy it so we had a bottle in our villa that evening. The next morning we decided to go back and purchase some additional bottles. Since then, we have ordered more on-line. It's great before, during and after any meal. Nothing but praise from our guests when we serve it. We're not wine snobs and have enjoyed a number of the less expensive wines that are readily available but have now chosen Stone Hill winery Norton as our "go to" wine and know that we will continue to enjoy it for years to come. Thank you Stone Hill winery!

My Oh My...
From Jim Jewell of Rio Rancho, New Mexico on 11/20/2013.

An amazing wine whose fruit, oak, and tannin are in perfect balance. It recently paired extremely well with steak but, I believe, could cellar for a few years for some superb future enjoyment. My hat's off to Stone Hill Winery for a great wine.